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RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) is a method of shipping in which vehicles are driven onto the ship under their own power and driven off again at the port of destination – without being placed in containers. It is particularly suitable for vehicles, lorries and machinery, and is often cheaper and faster than container shipping. ODS Orient specialises in RoRo shipments.

Costs depend on dimensions, weight, port of loading and destination, as well as the frequency of the route; therefore, there are no fixed rates. Please submit your enquiry via the contact form – you will usually receive a personalised quote within 24 to 48 hours.

The pure sea transit time ranges from 12 to 40 days, depending on the route: West Africa 12–18, the Middle East 14–18, Central/South America 18–28, East Africa 20–30 and Asia 25–40 days. Including preparation and customs clearance, you should generally allow 3 to 8 weeks.

From Northern Europe, the following approximate transit times apply: West Africa approx. 12–18 days, the Middle East approx. 14–18 days, Central/South America 18–28 days, East Africa 20–30 days and Asia 25–40 days. The exact duration depends on whether the route is direct or involves transhipment, as well as on weather conditions and port availability.

Almost all wheeled goods can be shipped by RoRo: cars, motorhomes, lorries, articulated lorries, buses, as well as construction and agricultural machinery such as excavators, wheel loaders, tractors and cranes. Even oversized and heavy units can be transported, provided they can be driven or towed. We ship individual vehicles, fleets and project cargo.

Yes, provided the vehicle can roll, be steered and be towed. They are manoeuvred on board using special MAFI trailers or tractors. We will check suitability in advance together with you.

ODS Orient ships vehicles from Germany to over 70 ports worldwide – including West Africa, East Africa, the Middle East, South and Central America, and Asia. You can find the latest port lists and timetables on our website.

You will usually need vehicle registration documents, customs and export documents, a commercial invoice and the booking confirmation. The key transport document is the Bill of Lading (B/L), which serves as a receipt, a contract of carriage and a title to the goods. ODS Orient can assist you with preparing these documents.

With RoRo, vehicles roll onto the ship under their own power; with container shipping, they are transported inside a container. RoRo is usually cheaper and faster, whilst container shipping offers greater protection from the elements and allows loose goods to be shipped alongside the vehicles. For standard vehicles, RoRo is usually the most cost-effective option.

Sea freight does not automatically include comprehensive insurance. We therefore recommend taking out separate cargo insurance. ODS Orient can advise you on suitable solutions and arrange cover for the entire journey.

Generally speaking, no, as this would breach customs and insurance regulations. Vehicles should be empty, clean and with a low fuel level (usually less than a quarter of a tank). ODS Orient will inform you in advance of the specific requirements for your destination.

In five steps: request a quote, confirm the booking, deliver the vehicle to the port of loading, shipment including customs clearance and documentation, collection at the destination. ODS Orient supports you every step of the way, from export to customs clearance at the destination. We usually respond to your enquiry within 24 to 48 hours.

Please send us the port of loading and port of destination, as well as the vehicle details (dimensions, weight, condition), via the contact form. ODS Orient will usually reply within 24 to 48 hours with a personalised quote.